Police asking for information in burglary of Varney home

Rachel Dove rbaldwin@civitasmedia.com

June 8, 2014

By Rachel Dove

rbaldwin@civitasmedia,com

VARNEY - As a Mingo County couple were beginning their day as teachers at local schools, an individual or individuals took advantage of their home being empty and helped themselves to whatever caught their eye, or that they thought could be sold for a quick profit.

According to information released by Mingo County Sheriff’s Department Cpl. Josh Endicott, he and Deputy Roger Fitch responded to a complaint of a break-in and burglary at the residence of Walt and Teresa Cline of Pie. The theft allegedly occurred Friday morning between the hours of 7 and 8:30 a.m., shortly after the couple had left for work.

Witnesses told the deputies they had seen a silver or gray-colored Chevrolet Blazer or GMC SUV thought to be a 1990’s model parked at the residence around the time the burglary occurred. Endicott told the Daily News the culprit had kicked the door in, then appears to have removed the stolen merchandise via the side porch and window.

Items that have been reported missing from the home so far includes three televisions sets (one 50-inch and two 32-inch), two HP brand laptops, two IPods, two Samsung Galaxy tablets and one Slate tablet, an IPad, a container with approximately $200 in change inside, a 357 magnum Taurus pistol and a fireproof box that contained important papers, documents and a pocket knife collection, as well as $3,000 in cash. Endicott said the estimated value of the stolen items is in the vicinity of $8,000.

“While this couple was committed to educating the youth of Mingo County, thieves broke into their home, violated their personal space and stole a number of items that will take quite a bit of money to replace,” Endicott said. “Feeling safe and secure inside a person’s home is a priceless feeling - and it’s a feeling that the Clines will have a tough time getting back.”

The sheriff’s department is currently working on several leads they have in this case and are asking that if anyone has information regarding this break-in, to please give Endicott or Fitch a call at 304-235-0300. The officers remind the public that no one is required to give their name when providing a tip to law enforcement; they are only interested in what you have to say.